Robot Allows Easier Programming

ABB Robotics has added an Integrated Dress pack (ID) model to its IRB 2600 range of mid-sized material handling robots. The 6-ft reach, 33-lb payload IRB 2600ID features a flexible conduit in its upper arm/wrist for routing cables and hoses for signals, air and power, fully integrating the process equipment with the robot.

With the internally routed dress pack the movement of the hoses and cables is predictable, allowing the IRB 2600ID to operate at maximum speeds and simplifying off-line programming. Without needing to account for swinging cables when simulating robot systems, the time required for fine-tuning programs is minimized by up to 90%. With the increased payload, including a total upper arm load of 57 lb, the IRB 2600ID is suited for applications including case packing, carton handling, process tray handling, small format palletizing, plastic injection molding, machine tool tending, die cast machine tending, and, with a “Foundry Plus 2” protection option, many foundry machine tending applications.